Deciding that the people who were with him had spoken long enough, Protégé held up a hand for silence. Pointless, for he had no authority, but with what was going on, maybe people would obey and the students would listen to him. Possible: yes, probable: not really.
Speaking up, he said, "Thank you, strangers, for at least supporting my views and not just giving in to what the staff is saying. But please, let them have their turn to speak. It is unfair for us to bury them with argument so that they have no chance to speak their words. Besides, what we are doing gets boring when it is all one-sided."
Staying standing, Protégé waited. Talon and the rest of the staff would have much to say,and if they wanted to turn a few minds back to them, then they would have to speak very well very fast.
"Don't lose hope, for when it gets darkest the stars come out," came a clear voice from the back of the hall. Several students who turned to look at the origin of the voice were greeted by a tall and thin wizard with long white hair. "The greatest power of Robinson Antares Scorpius has never been his skill with a wand or knowledge of magic. No, while great in these fields, it has been something else.... Something more powerful in a different sense. It is his ability to control and manipulate situations and people, and he has always had much more skill in this than anything."
The man, looking to be in his forties, walked down the center aisle, two house tables on either side of him. His step was taking him towards the Lightning Mage as he spoke.
"Students should not have to fight for, as they have themselves pointed out, there will be casualties, and I doubt that, whatever the circumstances, should students start dying, the wizarding community will move to shut this university down," said the man, one of his eyes pitch white. "They are organized and they are powerful. The Society of Shadows has existed for years, and their leaders are very experienced and very set on their goals. As Mr. Fenrir pointed out, Syrus Korodin is powerful, but the Lord of Shadows must have some type of other, powerful, different authority to command the respect of the madman Syrus and others."
The white mage was now directly in front of the podium, looking straight at Talon. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Marcus Pelias Solomon, retired agent of the International Confederation of Wizards. I cannot bring an army with me to help you, but I can bring something much more beneficial," said this man, Solomon. He turned again to face the students. "There are those among you ready to go and fight against these people for honor and all that is good in this world. You are to be commended for that ambition. However, despite any pretenses you may have, the sheer experience of the people you are fighting will destroy you. They have mastered spells that these professors cannot even teach you in school, and they will use them. You have your entire lives ahead of you; do not go and waste them."
Solomon again looked at Talon, briefly glancing over the Great Lycan before. He looked at the students, and the professors, and other guests. They were playing right into his hands.
"Don't you all see? The Great Manipulator is succeeding. This is how he works. The Lord of Shadows does not need to use open war and murder. He uses deceptive tools. Can't you see it? He is tearing you apart," said Solomon. "Divided you are weaker. If you squabble among yourselves, divisions increase. If divisions increase, guess what moves in to fill the gaps? Shadows. Shadows who will continue to cast doubt, deception, and accusations around. You cannot be divided."
"Headmaster Windwaltz, you are about to accept a declaration of war by a man and an organization you hardly know anything about. If you stay in the shadows, they will consume you and your ignorance. You must know all you can, and I will tell you this. I can help you. Gather those who you can trust and who will help you fight against this enemy. But, I will make it clear, that if you willingly send students on the offensive, you will regret it," said Solomon. He again faced the crowd. "In Britain, when the British Ministry of Magic had declared a state of conflict exist with the Society of Shadows and their allies, Scorpius looked to get things over with quickly. His biggest weapon was that of fear. Fear of death, pain, and loss. He nearly one based off of this one powerful weapon. But, one man, one hero, put things into such clear perspective... Never fear shadows. They simply mean there's a light shining somewhere nearby. Be that light, students. Shine brightly; don't be corrupted. Don't give into temptations that have no doubt already begun to show themselves. If you can be that light, and help these grown wizards, witches, and others in their quest to protect you and this school, we can shine bright enough to cast these shadows aside for good. Just don't panic, and don't go looking for trouble. If you do, the chances of death are extreme. Don't quake with fear, but tread carefully."bg
Moving through the Shadow Corridor is one of the more useful and efficient magical abilities that a young shadow learns to use. It allows the individual to traverse great distances without the irritating "squeezing" sensation that goes with apparition, and it seems to transcend the boundaries of dimensions, allowing for movement through all types of magical barriers. It was using this wonderful vehicle of transportation that Lord Korodin infiltrated the Feasting Hall, and with relative ease. And there he was, his physical features changed by a few choice enchantments, clad in the robes of a teacher and wearing a teacher's badge. He did not look out of place at all as leaned nonchalantly against a sizable pillar, a look of deep sorrow on his face.
He had entered the school grounds using the Corridor, and had mingled with some students before following them into the Feasting Hall. His sources inside the school told him that there would be a meeting going on today, and so he had chosen to attend. He entered the hall and took his spot beside the aforementioned pillar, which happened to conceal much of his body in shadows cast by the afternoon sun, and listened attentively to the commotion caused by the individuals in the Hall. He was happy to see Fenris, mostly because he wished to fight him again and maybe have a drink with him after. He doubted the wolf drank alcohol, but that matter would be resolved later. He was amused to see that an alliance had been formed, and in the back of his head he wondered if they truly believed that the alliance would save them.
And so he listened, and was alternately amused and irritated. Exvind's brash disappearance and use of the Shadow Eye irritated him to no end, and Syrus began to wonder if the fool might just break his cover. He would deal with Herr Exvind later, he thought, with a hint of scorn flavoring his inside voice.
"Don't lose hope, for when it gets darkest the stars come out," came a clear voice from the back of the hall.
Syrus muttered something inaudible and groaned as he turned around to see Marcus Pelias Solomon, as impeccably flamboyant as ever, making another one of his grand entrances. He hated Marcus with every ounce of his being, mostly because the man had screwed with the Society and the Count one too many times. But he would pay his due, aye, and with interest too. He listened with interest as Marcus made his speech, nodding here and there when he agreed with something that was said. He was especially pleased when Marcus called him powerful, and he had the sudden, overbearing urge to yell out "Damn straight!"bg
It took every once of Protégé's will not to jump up and down with happiness at what Marcus Solomon had said. He didn't agree with the man, not much at all, but at least this man had some argument skills. Also, he said things that could so easily be turned to points to nail him. At least now things could be interesting. While Protégé was neutral, he at least wanted to make sure that the students who chose to not be neutral had facts to make that decision.
"True, when things are darkest, the stars shine, Marcus, but stars are neutral. The same stars that shine for us shine for the enemy also. Hope is never an advantage, for an advantage is something you have that they don't have. All hope is is a disadvantage, because when people build support up on hope, it can only last as long as it is not tested. Sure, if it survives a test, it is strengthened. But the more of it you use, the more destruction it will cause when it breaks." Protégé could not understand how all of these great strong witches and wizards who represented great points of wizarding power could be so naive and foolish, but he would question it as long as he could.
Listening to the point about manipulation, Protégé laughed out loud. Literally. With the hint of laughter still in his voice, he said, "So, are you trying to say that we do not need to fear a man who uses manipulation as a weapon? You, and Talon, and the rest of the people here trying to rally support are trying to make a show of force and support and use suprise and encouraging talk to manipulate people into thinking they will win, and that's manipulating them into fighting! Whatever manipulation ties to in your context, it's a double edged blade that cuts both sides of this fight."
"Besides, it doesn't matter that manipulation is what he is strongest at. I am strongest with the blade, but that doesn't mean that I'm weak with a wand. All it means is that the better I am with a wand, the much better I am with a blade."
Taking a moment to take a breath, he looked at the rest of the man's words for more things to strike down. "Just as a side note, this pertains very little to what is going on, but why are you bothering to complement them on their ambition? Is that to get you in their good books so that they will listen to what you say and agree with it more?"
The part of the speech about how division weakened a group was amusing also. Protégé did not laugh this time, however, because all of the stuff about standing unified and not allowing anything to seperate them was getting boring. "So, he is working, eh? His plan is to divide us and make us weak, eh? Well, that stuff is already there, and he doesn't need to lead these attacks to create it. He could just wait for it to peak naturally and swoop in unseen, with much better odds on his part." Allowing that familiar note of sarcasm to his voice, he said, "But yes, of course you, an enemy of his, would know his plan. After all, every enemy broadcasts their plan out to the world. Hell, I don't plan a fight without telling my opponent how I'm gonna attack and how I'm gonna use the setting to help me. Normally I even tell my enemy how to stop it. C'mon, why wouldn't we, the enemies of the Shadows, know their plan?"
"And if you are going to talk about how shadows only arise from division, then that means that the Shadows are here because of this division now, and they didn't move in to create it. So, what you are saying is that if we weren't having this discussion because of them, they wouldn't have been here in the past?"
When attacking the final load of political morale crap by Marcus, Protégé knew he had to remain serious, and not allow himself to fall over laughing as he was about to. Instead, he looked straight up at Marcus and said, "Whoever this great hero was, he was just like you and Talon: building up a thing of hope and support and praying that the enemies break and run off. Shadows don't mean that there is a light nearby, it means there is an absense of light in that area. When there is no light, all there is is shadow. And what happens when you move a light to dispel the shadow? The shadow just moves elsewhere. And then, whatever is causing the light dies down, and the shadow jumps back in to reclaim that area."
Deciding to throw in some light on his true motives for saying this, Protégé spoke up one final time. "I'm not saying this because I don't want to fight. I'm saying this because I don't want to fight an enemy who is literally shrouded in shadows. Don't try and trick these students into fighting a war by telling them that they are the light that could dispel the shadow, don't build up this junk only on hope, faith, and inspiration based on students being confused. Tell them definite facts about the enemy, like exactly how strong the enemy is, and exactly what the chances are of winning, without throwing in all this false morale crap. Tell things teh way they are now, not the way they will be in your fantasy dreamworld if everything goes the way you want. And when you are ready to do that, tell me. I'll listen to you then, and you better have a good thing to say."
With that, Protégé spun around and walked out the door. He had grown tired of listening to this false hope junk and all these illusions of victory that the leaders were painting, and couldn't stand to be in a room where people preached how they wanted to keep the students safe while trying to get them to jump into a place where the only thing that is guaranteed is danger.
OOC: Seriously, I have to leave. It's 11:57 PM here and I'm leaving for Gatlinburg Tennessee tomorrow morning. And I won't be back until sometime on Sunday. So some people stand up for what I'm saying ^_^bg
Post by dovegirl317 on Apr 12, 2006 23:21:35 GMT -5
Dovie sat very simply in the back of the Hall, dressed all in black. She may have hated it, for it gave the entirely wrong impression, but it was for protection and she had to do it nonetheless. As for sitting in the back...it had always been her way... She liked to keep an eye on things, watch everyone and everything as events unfolded like an origami house... The man who'd entered last spoke with the wisest choice of words, and the truest. Without light, there was no shadow, and without shadow, there would be no light... Dovie's emerald eyes were open to see everything, though she moved with a slight muteness. She was observing; she was in her element. She was in her utmost seriousness when she observed... There, there it is Dovie... that's the problem... People wish to fight sorcery with sorcery.. When will they ever learn that sorcery cannot possibly combat sorcery... two of the same ingredient only double the mixture... Dovie's wings flexed slightly as the thoughts mulled over each other in her mind. Her eyes stayed open, though her spirit was slightly floating as if deeply hidden inside her boy; a shell with its soul locked away...for a temporary moment. She always went into a sort of daze - a trance, if you will, like a Seer - when she was fitting bits and pieces together. I'm not really...technically a student.. I mean, I go to classes to study, but I'm 19... If anything at all can be done on my part, I can at least help keep the students in line or protect them... A suggestion, perhaps, for Talon when he's put back together a bit more properly... she thought, referring more to how his affairs were probably in disarray at the moment. Maybe I could ask the advice of the Elders in the Moieties back home.... Balance is key... the thought just struck her as she pictured the division of the Moieties back home; how each equaled the other, both completely and entirely eqaul...as was neccessary to the world. Dovie decided it was finally time to come out of her daze and look alive in the Hall. God, it would've been greatly reassuring if Sylph or Ashelle were here right now...She considered each person's words, noting that the Little Lottie everyone had loved had changed slightly, and that her DADA professor was just as intelligent and wise as she could have hoped for. this new person, this... Marcus Pelias Solomon was someone to watch. He may be helpful in the coming days, or he may turn out to be an entire fluke... Dovie trusted the being...for now... but she'd learned to be wary of characters like this one. They could act as pure and true, and wind up being a Morgan... Dovie's olive fingers twined themselves in her jet hair of their own will, the deepest reaches of her soul staring out of green orbs directed intently at the front podium. A flicker crossed her mind; something about the famed and beloved Hayzie. She dreaded the thought of tracing it, but, regardless, she needed to know what had happened. "St-stolen...?" Dovie stutterd, aloud rather than in her mind, with apparent confusion and slight alarm for a moment before she realized what it had meant. Hayzie was gone. Not dead, definitely not, for Dovie would have seen her in her dreams, but.. "Hidden from the light..." Dovie barely whispered, and only to herself. Her lungs felt as if in a vice, her throat constricted as tears welled along the lower brim of her long-lashed eyes. Her mouth opened slightly, entirely on its own, as her eyes went sightless, her mind a thousan miles away, her soul hovering above her winged form. She had a lot to do and such little time. So much to think on... Forget this, I can't stray everyone because of one event! Hayz would kick my ass rightly if she saw me like this, what the hell is wrong with me!? Dovie kicked herself mentally, coming entirely back, a right bit of determination and strength shining from her watered eyes. She shivered from a momentary feel of sheer cold evil, but she shrugged out of it and sat up straight, her chin even with the ground, her head high. There was a slight downward twist to her pursed ruddy lips, and she half-wished to smack the kids in the mouth who'd shown sincere doubt and tell them to shut it, else another handprint be left on their pale skin, but she refrained and literally bit back her tongue from commenting just yet. There had to be more to this than appeared, and she wanted to hear just what else had to be said.
Last Edit: Apr 12, 2006 23:24:08 GMT -5 by dovegirl317
Unbeknown to Dovie, though, at least Sylph was in the hall that morning, it was just that the Gryffindor prefect was rather subdued - a characteristic one did not normally associate with the larger than life eighteen year old. The attack on Drakborough, so soon after the one at the Triangle, had forced Sylph into a dark and thoughtful mood, her face set in a permanent frown, and worry and care lay heavy upon her. The news that Hayzie had been taken had reached her late last night, and ever since she had not spoken, and become somewhat withdrawn. She wanted to fight, but what hope was there? Against the Shadows, any victory would be bought dearly, if at all, and while Sylph was not frightened for herself, she was charged with the protection of the other students. How could she protect them in the face of such adversity?
Talon was speaking, but Sylph heard little of what was said, until two words filtered through her melancholy mindset to her brain, waking her up as effectively as a bucket of icy water. Fenris Fenrir... Sylph sat bolt upright at this, her slouch and inward looking thoughts gone in a flash, almost as if she had been electrified. The Lycan. The Nightmare. Killer and Captor. Sylph's peridot eyes flashed with shocking intensity, and sparks seemed to fly from her very face. What the hell was Talon doing?! Like Lottie, for a moment she thought he may have been put under the imperius curse, but that thought was gone in an instant; Talon was strong enough to resist that, at any rate. But right now to Sylph he seemed to be wavering, perhaps the guilt of not showing had got to him. But back to Fenris Fenrir.
Sylph's blood boiled as her eyes - glittering with rage and confusion - met the face of the human form of this monster. He had captured her friends, fought Roan on too many occasions to count, and had a very screwed up sense of honour. If he was indeed on their side, all to the good, for he was a powerful ally, as Angelus Mortii had discovered, but could they trust a madman to keep his temper and bloodlust in check? Of course, the rage and wrath of the violet-haired girl was not merely aimed at the Lycan murderer before her. There would always be those that wanted to save their own skins above all others, and she was not surprised when Protégé, a Slytherin, spoke up against their headmaster. Under any other circumstances Sylph would have stood and shouted him down, but she was too consumed with emotion to speak. She wanted to pound him, to slap him and curse him into tiny bits, just for saying those two little words.
No hope.
Sylph had felt the same sense of desperate fate until then, but hearing the words out loud, her indomitable spirit rose until it burned like a fire within her. There was always hope, and the more they stood together as one the more hope they had. Protégé was a loner, a wanderer, and, in Sylph's opinion, selfish and self-serving; in other words, a true Slytherin, and as such, not worth listening to. How glad she was when the man from the bar - Marcus Solomon - appeared. At Jokers Sylph had questioned him, but now he was possibly the most welcome face in the hall, and he argued well. He seemed not to want any students to be involved, but Sylph and a few others - mainly Gryffindors - who were of age she knew would not stand for this, and remain by their leader's side come what may. Certainly Sylph would not be left behind. A fighter's spirit could not be denied, especially when backed up by a large amount of talent. If only the 'grown ups' here would see that...bg
Post by Melia Birchheel on Apr 13, 2006 9:48:04 GMT -5
The hall was laden with the echoing thoughts of its inhabitants, the air heavy with deepening grief, fear and mistrust, so that the words of those who dare speak fell like lead upon deafened ears. Suspicion grew, and not only in the rank and file of the student body; more were arriving, called by a single purpose.
At the Great Gates of Firefox a carriage halted, drawn by two steeds, enormous, dark and snorting, pawing at the soft turf and champing at their bit in impatience, and fire was in their rolling eyes. A woman stepped from the carriage, and as she emerged it was clear that she was no less wild in character, and equally dark and fearsome. Already events were unfolding - too fast and too soon - and she could sense dissent and fear. She had arrived in the nick of time, it seemed, but then again perhaps too late. Booted and buckled feet leaped up the deserted stone steps, carrying their owner with swift ease as her gaze scanning the smoky horizon. Yes. Too late. Too late to save Drakborough, but perhaps not too late to save others.
With a great clang the heavy door of the feasting hall swung open, bursting asunder by some unseen force, making many of the silent and watchful students - especially those near the back - jump involuntarily. Through the gate strode the woman, her mahogany hair sleek and gleaming in the torch light, but her face was grim and cold. From her dark skinned face shone bright eyes, yellow and sharp like those of a hawk, lit with the deep wisdom and experience of age. Most would mark her in her forties, but the weight of her years hung heavy on her, and she was not yet thirty. On she strode, step by purposeful step, her footfalls echoing through the cavernous halls, paying no heed to the boy who passed her, obviously on his way out of the hall. Dissent indeed, but most remained, and those that did followed her intently with their eyes, though many had heard too much in the past few minutes to be overly surprised by her appearance. She had been upstaged before she had even arrived. Still, she looked neither left nor right; her gaze lay intent and unwavering upon one Master Windwaltz. To her he seemed young - too young, perhaps, but then she had heard many tales of his exploits, too many to dissuade her from her task, at least. Her father, Don Carlos Ramaraíz had sent his daughter to the land of his birth to seek aid in destroying those who would destroy it, and she would not fail him in this errand. At the top table she halted before the headmaster, and gave a short bow.
"Señor Windwaltz." So clearly was she of Spanish origin, and yet her accent was somehow diluted; the influence, if any had known it, of her English mother, but it was her father in whom's likeness she followed. "Melia Birchheel, at your service. I come on behalf of my father, Don Carlos Ramaraíz, the ambassador, who wishes me to aid you in ridding España of these Sombras, these Shadows, if this is your aim also." She spoke with calculated briskness, formal and yet to the point, her tone neither warm nor cool. The daughter of an ambassador was always taught how to parley with ease in all situations, and Melia was good even for her breed, especially in a war room.
"We must speak," she said, dropping her voice now, below the volume audible by their audience.. For a moment her yellow gaze drifted to the face of the wolf, Fenris Fenrir, but there was no expression in her eyes, no flicker of her face that belied her feelings, and with another bow she expertly whirled off her rich fur lined but travel stained cloak, revealing robes of sable, an ebony staff in her left hand and at her dark throat, a fair gem wrought of fine silver and chalcedony. Once the bulk was removed, she seemed but a slip of a thing, not short but slender as a willow branch; but her back was straight and her face set with determination, and now she brought the black staff down on the floor harshly three times, and with a nod of her head she proffered it to Talon as one would a great gift.
"The Staff of la montaña de la vista," she said, her pleasantly accented voice ringing out once more. "Use it and you have at your command all the trained wizards of my house." A third and final bow and she took a seat upon Talon's left at the high table, her piece said and her curiosity awakened. There were many students here with the desire to fight, she could see it in their eyes. Had they the skill? Had their headmaster the courage to lead them? The villagers of Drakborough had lamented the absence of Windwaltz the previous night, but to Melia he was no saviour. Merely a general was he, with plans to lay and troops to stir, if he would take on the mantle of leadership. What acme next would determine the fate of all those present, and many more besides. Which path would this lightning mage choose?
Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink... But if you must... Lie in the arms of your love, Steal away from bad company, Cheat only death, And drink to the moments that take your breath away
Still standing in the back of the hall, by the doors that were so violently opened by the Birchheel woman, Rowan stood deep in thought.
Obviously, something immensly larger than anything he was expecting was happening here, at this university of magic. Granted, he really wasn't sure what he was expecting, but still. The hall was full of arguing bodies, wisdom and foolishness, facts and fantasy. He simply didn't know what to make of it all. He had come here on a whim, brought by some distant and vague pull somewhere from deep in his being.
Now he was thinking of just leaving again.
Sighing, Rowan resigned himself to the fact that he could not just leave. Even if he had no magic. Even if he couldn't remember being in a single battle. Hell, even if he couldn't remember a single thing about himself, except his name..
Despite it all, he couldn't just leave.
This hall was filled with debating students, limited faculty, and far too many men who enjoyed being mysteries to others. I should probably include myself in that last category Rowan thought to himself, But then, I'm a mystery to myself as well. If I had a past, I wouldn't hide it.
Shrugging, Rowan pushed himself through the crowd, ignoring the bumps and yells. Not paying attention to the heated debates, or the "why's", "Where's" and "Who's", Rowan simply walked up to the head table and addressed the headmaster.
"Headmaster Windwaltz, is there anything I can do to help?"
Post by Talon Windwaltz on Apr 14, 2006 0:21:24 GMT -5
ooc: Okay, let's see if I can get through this. By the way - kudos to to charlotte for that 'Told you so'.
bic:
Before the debates had started, before the great entrances began, Talon stood still at the podium as Exvind revealed himself. Clapping and speaking in that familiar German accent, Talon couldn't help but reveal a soft smile. Yes, he even followed this by disappearing through a 'hole'. Still, the Headmaster smiled. It was quite clear why people would say that he had either complete control of his mind or none at all. There was just something about Exvind that made him tolerable to the Headmaster. Something that other external forces did not give.
But that wasn't the first comfort Talon was to have before the debates began. "Headmaster," came a voice from behind him. Talon turned his head, slightly, and nearly gasped when he saw who was standing before him. The flaming red hair, the emerald green eyes, and the very figure of the man before him was immediately recognizable to the Headmaster. This man - this Professor - was obviously a Hawkins.
As you can see, Talon hadn't been in charge of interviewing Sir Hawkins, for he had probably been interviewed by the Baron. Therefore, Talon had not known that the presumed relative of his former protege, Aylen Hawkins, and his former love interest, Aidana Hawkins, was teaching at his school. But that, in full, is a story for another day.
However, Professor Hawkins's statement was left to be absorbed by the rest of the mob. Within only seconds, the entire Feasting Hall had gone crazy. It had split into two factions, it seemed, with some people supporting Protege's more realistic look at the situation, and some supporting the Headmaster's noble approach. It was clear that most of Talon's supporters had come from the Gryffindor side of the room, though it was incredibly possible that that was only because of what Protege had said about them.
Sadly shaking his head as nobody seemed to even notice the podium anymore, Talon stepped back and placed his hand on Fenrir's shoulder. "They call you mad," said Talon quietly, not sure if the Lycan could even hear him, "But this is true madness." Then came a great, silencing sound from the other side of the room. A noticable, powerful, opening of the doors. The great entrances had begun.
It had taken a while for Talon to fully understand who it was who had just intruded on this riot. He seemed old enough to be Talon's father, and powerful enough to be as well. The very garb of the intruder seemed a bastardized version of the International Confederacy of Wizards uniform. His stark white hair and his various battle scars showed himself a true warrior. Yet what was his purpose? To give speeches?
"I am Marcus Pelias Solomon," the Scorpius Hunter introduced. Talon's mouth, just out of habit, formed an 'Ah' shape. He had heard of this gent from Mustang. He seemed to be confirming everything that Mustang had said about him, which made the Headmaster rather angry, but at the same time he gave some very good points. Talon's dislike of him disappeared, and a small seedling of liking had been sown.
After this small bit of peace, in which all in the hall listened to the veteran Scorpius Hunter, the riot broke back out again. Protege once more led this argument, and Talon had swiftly gotten uninterested. Realistic though it may have been, how was Talon supposed to answer questions he didn't even know the answer to? Though he may have acted like one, why was a Headmaster now in the place of a King? Of a General? Was he not simply an administrator of a school?
Talon's whole argument was built on faith, inspiration, and hope, because that was all Talon had himself. Perhaps Marcus knew. Yes, the Scorpius Hunter, who had long fought the Count, would know all about the Society. And then there was the sudden return of Chris Shafer, the old alumnus of whom Talon had the pleasure of meeting once or twice during his old school years. Lastly, there was the Prisoner of the Shadows, whom Talon had defeated at Triangle Tunnel and returned to the school. It was surprising that the Shadows had never come back for him, but none the less he still kept him heavily protected inside a place where hardly anyone went.
With all this in mind, Talon went to speak up. Then, suddenly, the doors opened again. Standing in the doorway was a regal looking woman, clearly of Hispanic origin. This is a pleasant surprise. Thought the Headmaster among the riot. A real Spanish witch. She came before him and bowed, and the Headmaster, not wanting to be rude to his obviously royal guest, bowed his head in return. She introduced herself as Melia Birchheel, and the daughter of Talon's predecessor, Don Carlos Ramaraiz. Talon silently pondered to himself why this lady called herself 'Birchheel' when she proclaimed her Father 'Ramaraiz'...but then it occured to him that she may be married.
She was certainly of marraigable age. Or looked it. Then again, Talon was never good at guessing ages by face. His idea, however, completely disappeared after she threw away her traveling cloak. She revealed, in place of what Talon privately thought was alike to a Queen Mother, a woman with the appearance of a Princess. Inner thoughts aside, she presented him with something called the 'Staff of the Mountain of the Vista". Talon, having researched the history of this land foremost, knew all about this legendary staff.
Shocked and bewildered at holding this legendary artifact in his hands, as well as how much else was going on, (mostly the riot) the Headmaster finally came up with an idea. "Muy Gracias," Talon said in response to the lady, "With this, we have a greater chance. I am in your debt, Senor -" Talon hesitated for a moment. IF he went along with what he thought, that she was married, and said 'Senora' Birchheel, then there was a chance she'd be angered with him for thinking her married. On the other hand, calling her 'Senorita' couldn't harm anyone. Most adult women tended to enjoy being mistaken for younger anyhow.
"-ita Birchheel." Talon finished. He then called out across the rioting mob. "This assembly is DISMISSED! This situation shall be further analyzed by myself and the staff! Would the teachers assembled here please kindly find the other teachers and meet me in the Staff House? Somebody find Chris Shafer for me and bring him too? And I would be most honored," Talon said, "If my two most gracious guests, Lord Solomon and Lady Birchheel, could join us there as well? The password will be told to you immediately."
Then, almost randomly, a man about Talon's age came up to him. The Headmaster, not expecting this, was startled somewhat and sparks shot from his body and came towards the newcomer before quickly making a roundabout into Talon's Medallion. On second glance, Talon's eyes lit up (yes, even more) and a smile graced his face.
"Rowan Shadowglen! Why, I haven't seen you in years! I would love to say good day to you, and ask how life's been treating you - there's a nice tavern down in town -but if you've been attending the festivities-" he said the last word mockingly "-you'd know that this is not the time. If you'd like, though, a Wizard of your caliber is always welcome at the meeting in the Staff House."bg
"They call you mad; but this is true madness", said Talon aside to Fenrir as his hand descended on the lycan's back. A feral smile crept onto Fenrir's lips at the revelation and small jest, but Windwaltz's words were true. These students; some of them former foes, others victims, and others entirely new to Fenris Fenrir behaved just as he had believed a rabble of humans would in such times. There were those that would follow Talon, just as members of a pack would be expected to act when the Alpha made the final decision on any matter. Then there were some that were against Talon’s idea altogether and had their own opinions; mainly spread by one boy who was badged as a prefect. Under the Headmaster and the Teachers, it was the job of the Prefects to enforce the will of those above them and to see to it that the students behaved themselves. Behind Fenrir’s smile was barely concealed disgust, but he had a way to rid Windwaltz of his problems…though it would be unorthodox one at that.
Fenrir made his way from where all the teachers had gathered near Windwaltz, giving them all odd stares that could have hinted that they could become possible meals should Talon’s crusade turn sour., toward the Entrance of the Feasting Hall. Some of those gathered had already left after hearing what had to be said and others were only beginning to turn in that direction, but Fenris Fenrir made to the door first and there he stood; a dike prepared to hold back the flood waters. “For shame”, said Fenrir in a taunting voice,” Here I was thinking that perhaps since your Headmaster exhibited traits that I did not think Humans able to exhibit and that you would be like him. You have proved to be such a laugh; all you have succeeded in this display of disagreement is split yourselves in two and have showed me once more that my original conception of mankind was correct. Windwaltz is your leader; you should follow his orders because he should make them in the best interests of all. And yet you openly oppose them; sowing dissidents among everyone and forcing people to have sides. How many sides do you intend to sow, people of this school? Those that will fight; those that will not. Those that shall stay; those that shall flee?”
“But unfortunately for you; the time for fleeing is over”, snarled Fenrir; his voice dripping dangerously into his pre-wolf stages. Their little display had awoken old feelings of hatred of their kind inside Fenris, and even though he had swore on his honor that he would not assume his other form in the presence of Talon’s brood of students; this would be the first exception. “Your lack of obedience disgusts me!”, bellowed Fenrir as muscles and bones grew to larger proportions while the shape of the wolf was formed. Howling out his majesty that made the very rafters of the Hall quake and sent small showers of dust onto those gathered, the Wolf Fenrir glared at those gathered and pounded his thoughts into each and every mind present. ’You should obey your Alpha! What fools are you not do so; the kind that will perish in the blink of an eye, that is what! Obeying him should be your first priority; then comes yourself and your needs, and then the needs of others. Without Windwaltz; the likeihood of you all being dead this very moment is frighteningly high. And yet you ungrateful brats do not follow him! Do you think he is not worthy of his position?'
'If there are those among you that think so; why don't you step forward and tell that to me? Or are you going to prove another belief of mine; that all humans look out for their own hide, even when their reputation is at stake? What kind of students do you accept into your school Windwaltz; cowards and fools? And what do your teachers teach to them; how to make a shoelace dance!', bellowed Fenrir into everyone's mind. The silver-grey fur that clung to the towering wolf's body seemed to move on it's own will as Fenrir's gigantic form breathed out his frustrations. The wolf snarled at everyone it laid it's eyes on; utterly disgusted until they found a familiar face in the student body.
Miss Purple Hair herself, the student who had been almost as much as a thorn in his side as Roan had. First she had humiliated him with the help of Hayzie Roberts at a Ball that he was intending to enjoy...and then ruin with the help of Xailyn Rose. Next she had the foolish urge to go into the Graveyard of Magical Horizons to try and rescue Aylen Hawkins from him; but they never truly started their battle and they managed to get Hawkins out of there. And with the thoughts of Aylen Hawkins on his mind, one of the teachers that sat at the front with Talon bore a startling resemblence to the fiery, red-headed Gryffindor. But he wouldn't say anything to him until he knew for certain. Now it was time to goad Sylph; to see if she was loyal to the Alpha.
'Nice hair', came Fenrir's voice into Sylph's mind, 'All the more better to strangle with my dear. Does that ring a bell for you at all dearie, for I truly hope it does. You got off scot free that time and in the future, I hope to make it turn out otherwise. But right now you are going to prove me wrong. What do you believe in Dearie? Do you follow the Alpha as you should, or do you disagree with him?' Once you carefully think of this answer and say it before everyone else; I will ask everyone until I find the first person who disagrees with Alpha Windwaltz. And when I find such a person; I will make them obey the Alpha of this school; at whatever price they choose to pay.'bg
Roan had been one student who wasnt present at the Feasting Hall when they had been called, even if she was a Prefect. In fact, to get down there the girl had to sneak past the ever watchful nurses to even leave the Wing. Since Diadem she had been forbidden because of the injuries dealt to her person and because she hadnt quite recovered from them all, still shortness of breath came and a fever every so often, reminders of the damage to her internal organs, and she was having a lot of troubles resting and getting better. But this time she had to get out of there and attend the meeting, it was supposed to be important. Unfortunatley, she had a stop to make before the Feasting Hall, so she missed a great deal of the assembly that was called. She refused to walk into the entire student body after having been gone so long, still wearing the same crinkled robes with a few blood stains on them, and with her hair in a bit of a dissaray. Not only that, she would be unarmed, for her new wand had been delivered to the Common Room, not the Hospital Wing, and she had to go there to get it. So once she snuck past Carrie, the girl went as fast as she could to the 'Puff Common Room, which was thankfully deserted because everyone was at the Feasting Hall. The entrance swung open and the Prefect quickly made her way to her dorm, opening the trunk and ignoring the dust that went everywhere. Inside she grabbed her new black robes, the ones that had a silencing charm on them, sleeves cut off, and slipped them over her head. She also noticed that someone had placed her Prefects badge in the chest, and she pinned that on. Also, sitting buried beneath robes, was a dagger of hers that she had a while ago, but never used it because it was never on her persons when battle beckoned, but now she would carry that with her at all times, and it went in a sheath at her side. In a package on her bed was her new wand that she had ordered, and this went in a case at the belt on her robes, and quickly Roan arranged her brown hair so it wasnt a disaster, and ran to the Feasting Hall, unaware of what waited.
She was approaching the doors when she heard a loud roar from the inside, and the girl stopped dead in her tracks, staring at the doors, face going pale, and hazel eyes beginning to flash. She knew that roar, just as she knew the voice that she could hear loud and clear in her mind even though she was outside. It was Fenris Fenrir. What in Merlin's name was he doing inside the school? Had something happened to Headmaster Windwaltz? Or had Talon just gone insane and allowed the Great Lycan to walk amoung the students. Roan was angry and feeling a bit hopeless. Just as she returns from being tortured by Syrus Korodin for no reason at all, is still recovering, she has to face her worst enemy of all time. Just great, fate just had to hate her at that time, and it couldnt wait to rain hell down upon her. Roan drew her wand and went to lean up against the closed doors, listening inside and trying to decide the situation. There was something that was troubling her, not only the words of the lycan which were making no sense at all, but nobody seemed to be fighting him. The entire student body was in there, why wasnt anything being done about the lycan!? And why was Fenris talking about obeying the Alpha, or Windwaltz? Wouldnt he want them to not obey him? Something strange was going on here.
From the sounds of things, Fenris was right in front of the door right now, blocking the exit to the Feasting Hall. That sounded more like him, but did the lycan honestly think he could take on the entire student body, not to mention the teachers and the Headmaster? Roan was so confused right now, and was wondering what the heck had happened in the short while she had been gone away from the school, and if everyone had Confundus Charms placed on them or something. Right now Roan knew she had to act, and stood in front of the doors. As soon as she got them open, she was likely to be face to face with the Great Lycan himself, but would she be ready? She doubted that she was in the physical shape to be handling this combat, you could still see the obvious signs of wear and hard times in her face, and in the way she held her body. But that had to be put aside now, students could be in danger, for Fenris's words sounded none too kind right now, and she would not sit around and wait for him to attack some student, if he hadnt already, before she herself would act. She owed the school her duty as a Prefect, and no matter what state she was in, she would fulfull that duty. So Roan drew both dagger and wand and went to enter through the doors, but they wouldnt budge. So that was how close Fenris was to them, looks like she would have to get in some other way.
So the girl took a deep breath and brandished the wand, wondering if she still had in her to fight and do this, but there was no time for doubt. Getting ready in stance, she whipped the wand in a quick motion, and shouted the spell that would get her through the doors. "Bombarda!" There was a loud crash and splintered wood fell both all over her, and all over the lycan in front of the doors. The doors to the Feasting Hall had been completely blasted until there was only a hint of what they had been, and Roan lowered her wand, seeing the lycan in his wolf form in front of her. With a quick movement that the girl didnt know she still had, Roan pushed forward and drove the dagger into the flesh at Fenris's back, before letting go and leaving the blade still buried into the lycan. It seemed she still h ad her old strength and fire afterall. The Hufflepuff smirked and walked around the lycan until she was in front of him, hazel eyes flashing. This hadnt been how she imagined their next encounter, but it was good enough.
"Now now Fenris, it is not wise to be threatening the student body with anything at this moment, especially when there are still students willing to defend it. Why do you think you have the right to order any of us about, and what do you think gives you the right to threaten us and make us do anything." Her words had venom in them as she positioned herself in front of the great lycan, wand out in front of her. There was no sign of the weariness that flowed through her body, only anger and fury that anyone would dare to challenge the students and threaten them. Surely he knew they wouldnt take this, and if the Great Lycan was ordering them around, did he honestly think they would listen? "And it is not your choice Fenris Fenrir of the forest who follows who, you cannot force it on another person. Honestly, why did you even dare come into the school, when so many here would love to see your head on a pike and displayed in front of the Great Gate for all to see, there is the lycan Fenris Fenrir, a plague upon the world, he wasnt so mighty after all. Or did you just enter the school because you wanted to get in touch with your more...human side." She said with an angry smirk, trying to throw out the words that would work best against Fenris. If need be, she could always bring up who he really was, a squib, in front of the entire student body, and that would be a great laugh at the so called Great Lycan.
Post by Talon Windwaltz on Apr 14, 2006 15:24:21 GMT -5
ooc: Thanks to both of you for making this thread even longer and harder to follow.
ic: As the teachers began to flood out in order to do what Talon had ordered, more havoc broke loose. The Headmaster at first could not hear what Fenrir had said, standing human at the doors to the Feasting Hall. He knew, however, by the way the students reacted, that it was not something good. This was only enhanced by the sudden transformation into Wolven form.
"You should obey your Alpha! What fools are you not do so; the kind that will perish in the blink of an eye, that is what! Obeying him should be your first priority; then comes yourself and your needs, and then the needs of others." This loud voice echoed in the minds of all those who heard it. Talon knew at once what must be done. As Fenrir continued his mental speech, Talon threw himself over the podium into the lower part of the room. As he moved closer through the rampaging students, he kept his eyes fixed on the wolven Fenrir. He was now facing down Sylph, one of the Gryffindor Prefects and a former protege of Talon's.
And then the worst thing imaginable happened: Roan Aliagh walked through the door.
If Talon had time, he would've smacked his head. The girl was well known for warmongering with the Lycan, simply to get him mad and fight her - which, of course, she would promptly lose. Fenrir was already in a maddened state, and now that he was in earshot he could hear Roan simply wanting to make things worse. Unable to say anything himself amidst a sea of madness, Talon pushed closer until finally he came upon both of them.
"...human side." Roan finished speaking to the Lycan. Talon's face shone with the lightning that collided against it. The Medallion itself was only able to keep back so much. He was furious - as furious as he was at the River when he had first met Fenrir. Coming closer so that he stood between the giant and the girl, he turned his head slightly to look at Roan, fierce eyes in his sockets. "Don't. you. dare."
Moving his head back to face Fenrir, he gave a gentler look, as he knew force would never stop the Lycan. "I tried to explain this to you before, and it may be harder now what with such violence in the air. There is a difference in the tales of wolves and men. Perhaps you are right, perhaps humanity has much to learn from the way of the wolf. Brotherhood to those around them, and obedience to their leader. The leader makes wise decisions, and even when he doesn't, the pack will march on.
"In this hour, I do believe you may have the right idea. Perhaps wolven mentality would help us all. But humans are not wolves. And the people you see before you are not even good representatives of humans. They are not adults, they are children. School children, who should not even have to be wrapped up in fighting this terrorist movement. If you would like to see representatives of the human race, look to me - or to Sir Hawkins over there - or to Lady Elensar - or Lord Solomon and Lady Birchheel! After all, should I enter your den and view your pups as your representatives?
"And it is to be reminded that you are not even fully wolf. You too are human...somewhere in there. And that human side shines out at times. Why do you join me? Is it not because your Alpha binds you to do things you do not wish? Isn't it because your Alpha undermines you? Did you not request of me your freedom? Your freedom to be your own Alpha? That is a human wish. A wish that should not to be underestimated."
Turning back to face his students, he watched as some that sided with him turned silent at his speech. "Though back home, somewhere, there are mothers and fathers who watch after these children, while they are here, they are my pups. I wish only for them to be safe, not to be threatened. They are not my dominion, they are my family." A smile appeared on his face as he looked back at the Hufflepuff Prefect. "Yes, even Roan.
"So that means what you're doing is not retaining obedience in what could be a tyranny - which I will not allow - but simply threatening my family for so much as thinking for themselves. And everything in this universe has the right to think for themselves."
Turning his gaze from his students back to Fenrir, he raised an eyebrow and said "Do you not agree, Richard?" bg
Post by Professor O'Conner on Apr 15, 2006 1:01:18 GMT -5
Ashelle was there, and as always had arrived on time. However, before she could speak her mind others did so for her, and yet their arguments changed her mind, many times, and so she was silent till it was time to go. But then Fenris Fenrir blocked their way and told them off for things she -for one- was only thinking in her head. She hated this, of all the Lycans vast powers, and she would have again spoken had not Roan taken that chance away from her . . . when Talon got between the Lycan and the students Ashelle couldn't take being silent anymore.
"Headmaster, All my resources and the vast Library of Rainier Knowledge are at your disposal. I regret to say my life can't be, not at this time, for I am not powerful enough yet." She peeked around at Fenris Fenrir. "If that doesn't satisfy you, Mr. Fenrir, than I'm afraid as Headmaster Windwaltz said, you expectations of a 13-year-old 'pup' are much too high. Will you let me pass? I must pack my bags to leave. Rainier Castle has yet to fall to any force and I'll be Damned if it will fall to this one!"
For the first time since she'd first encountered Fenris, there was a tone of respect in her voice, one he couldn't help but notice. It was not because Fenrir had at last made it into the top ten of 'the List' (not her list of course, but the main one,) but because he had finally done something Ashelle had never expected but always hoped for - he had allied himself with a Human . . . a Good Human.bg
OOC: When you get a moment, if you would please Talon, could you get rid of my bg's?, thanks!!! They are feaking annoying little buggers!
Fuu had been listening intently to everything that has been going on in this assembly. She hadn't been a part of either attack on the school, neither the Triangle Tunnel nor the more recent one on Drakborough. She really wasn't a strong witch, she wasn't afraid to admit it, if she was at Drakborough that night she would have died. In all reality she did have much concern for what happened in the school, it did really involve her. The people that didn't survive and got injured were her problems, and were a sad blow to her heart. But in her time in Foxfire she hadn't really gotten to know many people that well and these ones she did like, were fine after the battle. Physically anyway.
Talon started the assembly and throughout he had made promises that were hard to keep for anyone, Fuu wondered if he could do it. So many people joined this meeting, and so many she didn't recognize. There was an odd man who spoke in a Welsh accent and revealed a German one, there was even Fenris Fenrir who she had never even seen before this night along with others in that same situation, there was a Spanish witch, a Marcus Solomon, and many more. And alot of student put in there two cents, along with Protégé, Charlotte, and Ashlle. This was a very eventful meeting.
Everyone seemed to have something to say or something to offer. Fuu had no opinion or anything to give to the headmaster or anyone else. And for this reason she kept quiet.bg
Teagan Offline: This board is full of nostalgia.
Aug 22, 2020 8:39:09 GMT -5
Missing the old MH: gotta say missing when MH and all that was around.
Nov 6, 2019 0:02:30 GMT -5
Willow_lazy: why tf are there 400 posts about adidas
Sept 6, 2018 17:35:57 GMT -5
Azrael: I'm not hard to find, since I'm the only one there who goes by "Azzy", I'm pretty sure. XD
Feb 10, 2018 16:44:41 GMT -5
Azrael: Dunno if anyone still pops by here from time to time, but if any of you mofos do and still feel like gettin' yo nerd on, I've been hanging around this here place a bunch recently: www.roleplayerguild.com/
Feb 10, 2018 16:44:10 GMT -5
Azrael: hold onto your pantaloons
Jul 25, 2016 5:16:43 GMT -5